THE PATH TO HEALTHY AGEING
Text and Photos by: Rimaliza A. Opiña
— The path to healthy ageing should begin in our youth so we reap the benefits when we become senior citizens.
Benguet State University Nutrition and Dietetics professor Dr. Imelda Degay and retired Asst. City Health Officer John Tinoyan underscored this during an August outreach jointly organized by the Cordillera Media Educators on Nutrition and the National Nutrition Council, in Nangalisan, Tuba, Benguet.
The senior citizen beneficiaries were reminded about proper meal portions, the importance of bone health and constant exercise, and adequate hydration.
Degay also explained the reasons why seniors tend to eat less. One of the reasons is that neurotransmitters in the brain that signal hunger tend to work less, hence the decrease in appetite. She said keeping track of meal schedules could help prevent malnutrition in elders.
Tinoyan, on the other hand, encouraged seniors to plant and consume cacao, instead of coffee which is rich in antioxidants, and helps strengthen the immune system.
